popular opinion or principals?

[Last Roman]

in a democracy (or republic), it is the people whose voice should be heard the loudest. So elected officials need to listen to those whom they represent.

But what if what the public wants goes against the official's principals? does he listen to those who voted him into office or what seems ethically right to him/her?

[DarkKnight]

They should rule by their principles. The general will of the people can change on a whim which doesn't provide for effective policy. Also much of the general populace is what I call sheep, they don't research much, and follow the rhetoric of one partisan opinion. I value the educated and informed decisions (well at least we hope) of our elected officials more than the loudest voice of the people. But of course I am a hardcore conservative who believes that there should be education requirements to vote...

[Spiff]

Could you give an example of a possible situation?

The Government is ultimately answerable to the electorate, if they consistently go against the peoples wishes (referendums or whatever) then they will certainly lose power in an election.

Individual MPs i suppose can rebel against their party in parliament votes if they want to, but if enough of them do it the government will seem weak and lose the confidence of everyone. Depends if the MP ultimately wants his conscience to be clear or his party to remain in power no matter what and hope they eventualy change their policy i suppose..

[Fenris]

They should rule by MY principles